Last week I finally picked up one of the new iPhone SE’s. I was so excited to get my new phone and play with it. One of the suggestions my husband made was to wait and download each app as I need it. I have SO many apps on my old phone, some like Angry Birds that I don’t ever use. But, I noticed within the first day or two I was adding many of the apps back into my phone.
I might be a little app crazy, but I use them day in and day out. Not just for spending a little time playing games. I use my smartphone for making and saving money. Just a month ago I received a $115 deposit in my bank account from Ibotta. Your cell phone may come with a high price tag, but you can put it to work to help save you money. There are so many ways to make and save money with your smartphone.
Grocery IQ– This is a great way to easily print coupons.com coupons. It’s easy to search and print the coupons that you want. Plus, you can make a grocery list within the app too.
Easy Shift– This is a new one for me. I just started using this a couple of months ago. Download the app and find an easy shift near you. They don’t pay real great, but if I am going to the place anyway I love making an extra couple bucks.
Meijer– If you have a Meijer store nearby you will love having the Meijer app on your phone. If I see a good deal in the store I can search for a coupon on the app. They also offer coupons that will last for up to a month. You can clip coupons like $5 off $25 in produce and it will keep track of how much you spend over the month. Reach the $25 and the $5 will come off next time you shop. You can also get $10 off coupon for every 5 prescriptions you fill.
Facebook– I know, Facebook seems like a funny place to save or make money. I have a personal Facebook page, but I only use it to sell things. I am a member of a countywide selling page. I can easily take pictures and list the items I am selling with my phone. I usually make about $50 a month selling things on Facebook.
Kroger– It’s another easy app like Meijer. If you shop at Kroger it’s so easy to clip coupons in the store. Plus, they usually offer a small freebie you can clip every Friday.
Fetch– Fetch is an easy way to save, like Ibotta but you also get points for scanning receipts too. The first time I used it I received enough points for a $3 Amazon gift card. I can earn around $20 a month from it. If you haven’t signed up for Fetch yet you can see all the details here. Use the code RP6FG when you sign up to get an extra 2,000 points ($2).
Ibotta– Love this app! I really can’t say enough about Ibotta. Sign up here if you aren’t already signed up with them. If you buy something that is on their list you get money deposited in your account. It’s even easy to get money back on fruits, veggies and milk. I can usually make around $100-$200 dollars a year with Ibotta.
Checkout 51– This is another app that works similar to Ibotta. Buy certain foods, get money deposited in your account. Easy Peasy!
Craigslist– This is another easy way to make some extra money. Yes, you can use Craiglist on your computer, but I think the app is so much easier to use. List stuff you don’t use anymore and make some cash.
Papa John’s– Saturday night is typically take out night in our house. We grab a pizza and movie and hang out in the basement. I have found that I can get way better deals by using their online deals on the app then by calling in and asking for a deal. We love the pizza and cheesesticks for $10 deal. I can make a salad at home and we have a great dinner.
CVS– If you are a CVS shopper the app is great. You can clip coupons (including the $5 off $20 deals) and even get your rewards sent to your mobile app. Plus, it gives you a reminder before Extra Bucks and coupons expire.
SavingStar– SavingStar is great because you can have it tied to a lot of your store cards. Most places you don’t need to save your receipt and scan it. Just clip the coupon and the money will be deposited in your account.
Shopium– I don’t use Shopium as much as I do the others, but I still have made around $50 with it. It’s easy to use, just clip the coupon and cash out to Paypal.
Surveys on the Go– Get paid to take surveys from your phone. You can now use that little bit of time you have sitting in the carpool line to get some extra money. Most of the surveys are short and only take a few minutes.
Swagbucks – Swagbucks have been around for years, now you can load Swagbucks on your smartphone to search and watch videos to earn some extra cash.
Shopkick– You can save two different ways with the Shopkick app. When you enter a store you can get the latest coupons from that store to save money. You can also get kicks for performing tasks at stores.
Retail Me Not– I love using Retail Me Not to find some great coupon codes. I use the app to get percent off deals at stores like Bath & Body Works. I also always check if I am buying something online to see if I can score a free shipping code.
Gas Buddy– Find the lowest gas prices near you. Just enter your zip code or city to get the lowest prices. Simple and a great way to save an extra buck or two.
Receipt Hog– You can use a receipt from just about any store and enter them to receipt hog. You get points for the receipts entered and then can buy Amazon gift cards with the points. The more receipts you enter the more points you earn per receipt.
Some of these you can use without your smartphone. I just love the ease of using the apps instead of being on the computer. There are plenty of digital coupons that I have been able to clip in the stores when I see a good deal that I wouldn’t have clipped at home. I love being able to use my phone to not just save money but actually make money too. What is your favorite way to make or save money with your smartphone?
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